Former Sec. of State and potential 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton announced her support for marriage equality today in video form by joining the HRC’s Americans for Marriage Equality campaign.
Here is the video:
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Mrs. Clinton said, “A little over a year ago in Geneva, I told the nations of the world that gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights, and that the United States would be a leader in defending those rights. Now there were some nations that didn’t want to hear that, but I believe that America is at its best when we champion the freedom and dignity of every human being. That’s who we are. It’s in our DNA, and as Secretary of State, I had the privilege of representing that America.”
After detailing some of her experiences as Secretary of State, Clinton formally announced her support for marriage equality, “LGBT Americans are our colleagues, our teachers, our soldiers, our friends and our loved ones, and they are full and equal citizens and deserve the rights of citizenship. That includes marriage. That’s why I support marriage for lesbian and gay couples. I support it personally and as a matter of policy and law.”
The timing of her official announcement will only add fuel to the 2016 speculation. The reality is that this announcement plays both ways. As a former high level government official turned private citizen, her words carry a lot of weight. As a potential presidential candidate in 2016, she could be attempting to get ahead of a Republican establishment that is desperately trying to drag their party towards where the majority of the country already is on the issue.
Support for marriage equality is becoming a litmus test for Democrats who seek higher office.
From a political point of view, Clinton could be looking to avoid her 2008 mistake of defending her vote in support of the Iraq War. If Hillary Clinton is planning to run in 2016, she going to make sure that she dots all of her Is and crosses all of her Ts this time.
It isn’t a surprise that Mrs. Clinton supports marriage equality, but her announcement is a reminder that Hillary Clinton and 2016 are just around the corner.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
